Field Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School are Democracy Friendly
“The process of becoming a Democracy Friendly School has helped us fulfil our goal of preparing all our learners to be active citizens.“
Headteacher
We are thrilled to announce that Field Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Batley are the latest school to receive our Democracy Friendly Award. Dedicated teachers have helped over 200 children to learn about local democracy through a variety of engaging and age-appropriate activities, preparing them to become active and informed young citizens.
The activities are part of our Democracy Friendly Schools programme, which is open to all schools in Kirklees.
Learning about local democracy
At Field Lane, we’ve worked with teachers to introduce children to the basics of local democracy. They have learned about the different wards in Kirklees, identified their own ward, discovered who their councillors are, and understood the roles these councillors play in their community.
“I have learned about the importance of democracy. I also learned about what councillors do and how they can help improve the local area. Learning about the different wards was really interesting.”
Year 6 Student
Connecting with the community
The children have been actively exploring their local area by drawing maps and identifying places that are important to them. They expressed their feelings about these places through comments and emojis. They also learned about Batley’s rich history and participated in the school’s litter picking project, helping them to feel better connected with their community.
The school’s gardening club is a well-attended program for both children and parents, with up to 30 participants at times. In addition to maintaining the school gardens, they also oversee a community garden on the school grounds, where they grow a variety of fruits and vegetables.
This project helps children to grow their connections and their confidence. It is also a way for them to learn how to work with others to look after their local environment. A Digathon event held during school holidays allows families to enjoy some gardening activities and indulge in jacket potatoes sourced from the school’s community garden.
Sharing their feelings about the local area
Using the Quizziz app, children completed an online survey to share their thoughts about their local area and their sense of involvement in shaping it.
This activity helped them to prepare to meet their councillors and discuss what life is like in their community.
Working alongside Councillors
Field Lane students have identified a community-based social project and are now working alongside their councillors to improve a local football pitch, making it a better space for everyone to enjoy.
“The work has helped children engage in something that is purposeful and become involved in something where they can make a difference. Having the opportunity to engage with local councillors helped the children to understand how councillors have to make important decisions.”
Year 6 Teacher
Whole school approach to learning about elections
Field Lane has a fun way to teach children about elections which includes twice-yearly SOUP events. During these events, children raise funds through non-uniform days for school-based projects.
Each class presents their project ideas, followed by lively debates while enjoying soup together. The students then vote for their preferred project using a process that mirrors real-world elections – complete with voting booths, slips, and a ballot box. Year 6 students take on roles such as voting clerks, inspectors and counters.
This hands-on approach helps children to apply their knowledge when the school serves as a polling station during elections.
Hints and tips for other schools…
“Engaging with local councillors, debating community issues, presenting campaigns, and participating in voting have all become integral elements of our curriculum. I highly recommend this initiative to all schools aiming to develop solution-focused community leaders of the future.”
Headteacher
Get involved – sign up
We welcome expressions of interest from schools anywhere in Kirklees who would like to join our Democracy Friendly programme, at any time. Have a look at these pages to find out more about our free programme, see what you can expect when you sign up, and learn more about the benefits for children, young people and schools.